ATO Certification of reefer containers for flower bulb transportation

<BODY class="backwhite"> <P>ato, A&F, reefercertification, container, flowerbulbs, flower bulbs, refrigerated transport</P> <H1>Objective of A&F-certification of reefercontainers</H1> <P>The A&F-certification (ATO-certification) of reefer containers originates from the late '70s.<BR> The objective is to improve the quality preservation of flowerbulbs during shipment by means of checking the suitability of reefer containers for the transportation of flowerbulbs. A&F-certification primarily serves the interests of flowerbulb shippers, as it supports them in serving their customers optimally.<BR> A&F-certification is rewarded by reduced insurance fees for carriage of flowerbulbs in A&F-certified reefer containers. </P> <H2>Minimum requirements for A&F-certification</H2> <P>An A&F-certified reefer container with the qualification 'good' has met the following minimum requirements: </P> <OL> <LI>Air ventilation of empty container (at 380V/50Hz) at least 2.6 m3/h per m3 internal container volume. </LI> <LI>Air circulation inside empty container (at 380V/50Hz) at least 40 m3/h per m3 internal container volume. </LI> <LI>Height T-bars in 40 ft. containers at least 60 mm, in 20 ft. containers at least 30 mm. </LI> <LI>Four drainholes in the corners.</LI> </OL> <H2>The two possible procedures for getting your reefer containers A&F-certified</H2> <P><B>PROCEDURE A (most common for new containers):</B><BR> Arrange that an approved classification society (e.g. ABS or Bureau Veritas) witnesses the A&F-tests on your new-built containers at the container manufacturing site. The classification society will submit the test results to A&F's website. A&F checks whether the received information meets the A&F-standards and arranges the administrative aspects with the commissioning company. Subsequently, A&F issues certificates to: </P> <OL> <LI>Commissioning company (Box Manufacturer or Owner) </LI> <LI>Anthos </LI> <LI>The classification society that witnessed the test</LI> </OL> <P><B>PROCEDURE B (most common for containers which are in service already):</B><BR> Request A&F to carry out the A&F-tests on whatever container. First A&F arranges the administrative aspects with you. Subsequently A&F performs the A&F-tests, usually in Rotterdam or Antwerp, and issues the certificates to: </P> <OL> <LI>Commissioning company (Box Manufacturer or Owner) </LI> <LI>Anthos</LI> </OL> <P><BR> If your browser does not support frames, please click here <a href="http://www.reefertransport.nl/ReeferTransport_index.asp">www.reefertransport.nl</A><BR> </P> </BODY>